Spring Training Preview: Starting Rotation (Ranked)

Matt Harrison

Apr 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison (54) throws to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Harrison started the season off by pitching in the opening day series in Houston against the Astros.  After the 2012 season, it seemed the Texas Rangers starting lineup would be another powerhouse that included Matt Harrison.  Harrison only started 2 games in the 2013 season before having back surgery.

In August, Matt Harrison started doing his rehab assignments, but starting having more issues.

"“I felt strong from the get-go,” Harrison said. “The ball was coming out of my hand good. Except for having to come out of the game as a precaution, a little bit of tingling, other than that, I just had some long innings, deep pitch counts. I threw a lot of pitches in those three innings.” (ESPN Dallas – Richard Durrett)"

Shortly after that start, Matt Harrison was shut down for the season ending all hopes he would return to the line up.  Harrison again went to the doctor about his back, but there wasn’t any additional damage.

"“There’s nothing that we’re concerned about at this point,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “It was a significant injury, real surgery and we have every expectation he’ll be 100 percent by this offseason and certainly by spring training. We were hoping to have him back this season, but it’s not going to happen.” (ESPN Dallas – Richard Durret)"

In late December, Harrison again started to pitch again.  Like Lewis, Harrison said this is the best he’s felt in a long time.  He’s on pace to be with the Texas Rangers for spring training and it is likely he could return to the starting line up.

Harrison was banged up badly during his 2 games in 2013, but he was solid in 2012 when he was healthy.  He had a record of 18-11, ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.261.

If Harrison is able to return to the starting lineup, the Rangers will have one of the best rotations in the league.